Black Moshannon State Park is looking for volunteers in several areas for this summer.
For the past 19 years, Black Moshannon State Park has been the host site for the Friends of Black Moshannon Summer Festival and Lumber Day, which take place each July. The Festival Committee, with individuals from surrounding communities such as Philipsburg and State College, serve on the committee. They are always interested in and need new members and ideas to continually improve this important local community activity that draws thousands of people from all over Pennsylvania and other states.
The committee also needs volunteers to help at both the Festival and Lumber Day. Volunteers would get credit for their time toward receiving certificates and awards from the PA Conservation Volunteer Program, plus eligibility for attendance at Park Volunteer picnics and dinners.
The first meeting for this years festival will be held April 6 at 7 p.m. at the park office. Everyone is invited to attend.
Anyone interested in volunteering for any of these activities may contact the park office at 814-342-5960. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Black Moshannon is also in need of volunteers to help with school field trips.
According to a recent press release, “The Park Naturalist needs volunteers to help provide direction and guidance to small groups of children ranging from Kindergarten to sixth grade.
“The park provides quality environmental education activities to schools and groups that schedule field trips to the park. Activities are normally done Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No experience is necessary and all instruction would be provided to volunteer assistants who would get credit for their time toward receiving certificates and awards from the PA Conservation Volunteer Program, plus eligibility for attendance at park volunteer picnics and dinners.” Interested individuals may contact the park office.
Volunteers are also needed for Earth Day, Saturday, April 23. The park will again host a variety of conservation activities within the park to celebrate Earth Day.
The park staff invites volunteer groups, families and individuals to complete a variety of conservation projects, which will benefit future visitors, the park and its natural resources.
A press release described this year’s events saying, “They will get underway at the Black Moshannon State Park office at 9 a.m. Activities range from litter and winter debris pick-up, erosion control, wood chipping trails, weed and mulch to leaf removal, composting, trail improvements, tree planting, shrubbery transplanting and other conservation projects.”
It is suggested that volunteers bring work gloves.
Also, free camping is offered on Earth Day, the weekend of April 23 to those who volunteer.
Black Moshannon State Park offers many activities throughout the summer. For more information regarding planned events, visit the park’s website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/blackmoshannon.aspx.
